Unit of Brain-Heart Axis: Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, via Parea 4, 20138 Milan, Italy.
Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Nov 8;25(22):12017. doi: 10.3390/ijms252212017.
The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a central role in the structural integrity and functionality of the cardiovascular system. Moreover, the ECM is involved in atherosclerotic plaque formation and stability. In fact, ECM remodeling affects plaque stability, cellular migration, and inflammatory responses. Collagens, fibronectin, laminin, elastin, and proteoglycans are crucial proteins during atherosclerosis development. This dynamic remodeling is driven by proteolytic enzymes such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), cathepsins, and serine proteases. Exploring and investigating ECM dynamics is an important step to designing innovative therapeutic strategies targeting ECM remodeling mechanisms, thus offering significant advantages in the management of cardiovascular diseases. This review illustrates the structure and role of vascular ECM, presenting a new perspective on ECM remodeling and its potential as a therapeutic target in atherosclerosis treatments.
细胞外基质 (ECM) 在心血管系统的结构完整性和功能中起着核心作用。此外，细胞外基质还参与动脉粥样硬化斑块的形成和稳定性。事实上，细胞外基质重塑会影响斑块稳定性、细胞迁移和炎症反应。在动脉粥样硬化发展过程中，胶原蛋白、纤维连接蛋白、层粘连蛋白、弹性蛋白和蛋白聚糖是至关重要的蛋白质。这种动态重塑是由基质金属蛋白酶 (MMPs)、组织蛋白酶和丝氨酸蛋白酶等蛋白水解酶驱动的。探索和研究细胞外基质动力学是设计针对细胞外基质重塑机制的创新治疗策略的重要步骤，因此在心血管疾病的管理中具有重要意义。本综述说明了血管细胞外基质的结构和功能，提出了细胞外基质重塑的新视角及其作为动脉粥样硬化治疗中治疗靶点的潜力。
